The Senate has passed a bill that seeks to reinstate the country’s original national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
This decision comes after the House of Representatives also approved the bill, signaling a coordinated effort between both legislative chambers.
The push for this change was brought to the Senate floor for deliberation, where Tahir Monguno, the chair of the judiciary committee, presented a comprehensive report advocating for the reversion.
Monguno’s report highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the original anthem, which many believe better reflects Nigeria’s heritage and identity.
The anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was Nigeria’s first national anthem, adopted in 1960 when the country gained independence from British colonial rule.
However, in 1978, it was replaced by the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” in an effort to foster a new sense of unity and national pride during a period marked by significant political changes.
The recent legislative move to revert to the old anthem has sparked discussions about national identity and the importance of historical symbols in contemporary Nigeria.
